Apparatus, method and system for a pilot ignition system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, method and system is disclosed for a pilot light ignition system. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a fluid powered linear actuator and (2) a trigger member, wherein the linear actuator is configured to move the trigger member to triggering a spark generating mechanism to generate a spark for igniting a pilot light. The pilot light ignition system may be for use with, for example, a crude oil burner or gas flare.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This disclosure claims priority from GB Application No. 1313877.1 filedon Aug. 2, 2013, entitled “APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A PILOTIGNITION SYSTEM,” commonly assigned with the present disclosure andincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an apparatus, method and systemfor a pilot ignition system. In particular, though without prejudice tothe foregoing, embodiments relate to an apparatus, method and system fora pilot light ignition system for oil and gas burners, such as crude oilburners and gas flares.

BACKGROUND

Crude oil burners and gas flares (flare stacks) are hydrocarboncombustion devices used in industrial plants such as petroleumrefineries, chemical plants, natural gas processing plants as well as atonshore and offshore oil or gas production sites, oil wells, gas wells,oil and gas rigs and landfills. Such burners typically have a pilotlight/flame that is kept alight that serves as an ignition source forthe main burning of the crude oil/gas. However, the pilot light/flameitself requires ignition.

Customarily pilot ignition systems are electrically based and involvethe use of for example: transformers, capacitors and spark plugs. Suchsystems require an external supply of high voltage electricity. However,burners, and their associated pilot ignition system, are often used inremote locations, such as in a desert, where there may not be a readysupply of electricity. Thus additional support equipment, e.g. aportable generator would be required on site. Moreover, since the pilotlight of the pilot ignition system is normally located within of highlyproximal to the main burner, e.g. crude oil burner/gas flare, the pilotignition system can be subjected to extreme conditions. Not only mustthe pilot ignition system be able to withstand temperatures of the orderof 200° C., but also the pilot ignition system must also endure outdoorenvironment conditions including precipitation, wind as well asparticularly for off-shore applications corrosive salt water/spray.Accordingly, previous electrically based pilot ignition systems are notalways optimal as there are difficulties in providing electrical powersupply lines and power supply connections for the pilot ignition systemthat can endure such conditions.

The listing or discussion of any prior-published document or anybackground in this specification should not necessarily be taken as anacknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state ofthe art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/examples ofthe present disclosure may or may not address one or more of thebackground issues.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides an apparatus configured for usein a pilot light ignition system. In one embodiment, the apparatusincludes: (1) a fluid powered linear actuator and (2) a trigger member,wherein the linear actuator is configured to move the trigger member andwherein movement of the trigger member is suitable for triggering aspark generating mechanism for igniting a pilot light.

In another aspect, a pilot light ignition system is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the pilot light ignition system includes: (1) a fluidpowered linear actuator, (2) a trigger member, wherein the linearactuator is configured to move the trigger member and wherein movementof the trigger member is suitable for triggering a spark generatingmechanism for igniting a pilot light and (3) a spark generatingmechanism for igniting a pilot light.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for use in apilot light ignition system. In one embodiment the method includescausing, at least in part, actions that result in: (1) receiving a fluidto drive a fluid powered linear actuator and (2) moving a trigger memberwith the fluid powered linear actuator, wherein movement of the triggermember is suitable for triggering a spark generating mechanism forigniting a pilot light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples that are useful forunderstanding the disclosure, reference will now be made by way ofexample only to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a further apparatus;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a method;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a pilot ignition system including theapparatus;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a firing mechanism of a pilot ignitionsystem;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an ignition cartridge of a pilotignition system;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an air operated a pilot ignition systemwith a front end assembly; and

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a fuel operated pilot ignition systemwith a front end assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure provides an apparatus and method for use in a pilot lightignition system. The apparatus may form a module for a pilot ignitionsystem. In some instances, the apparatus may be comprised/installed in apilot ignition system or a burner, such as a crude oil burner or gasflare.

The Figures schematically illustrate an apparatus 100 configured for usein a pilot light ignition system, wherein the pilot light ignitionsystem 101 comprises a spark generating mechanism 104 configured togenerate a spark 105 for igniting a pilot light 106. The apparatuscomprises a fluid powered linear actuator 102 and a trigger member 103.The linear actuator 102 is configured to move the trigger member 103 andmovement of the trigger member 103 is configured such that, in use whenthe apparatus is installed in the pilot light ignition system, thetrigger member is able to trigger the spark generating mechanism 104 togenerate a spark 105 to ignite a pilot light 106.

The apparatus may be provided in a module. As used here ‘module’ refersto a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts/components that wouldbe added by an end manufacturer or a user. The apparatus 100 may be amodule of the pilot light ignition system 101 able to be installedtherein or an integral part of the pilot light ignition system. Thepilot light ignition system further includes a spark generatingmechanism 104 configured to generate a spark 105, for example via piezoignition, to ignite a supply of a first combustible medium to form apilot light 106.

The apparatus 100 and/or the pilot light ignition system 101 maythemselves form a module of a burner or be an integral part of a burner,such as: a crude oil burner or a gas flare, wherein the pilot light isused to ignite, e.g. crude oil or natural/produced gas.

Examples of the disclosure provide the advantage of a simple and robustapparatus for use in igniting a pilot light.

An example of an apparatus 100 for a pilot ignition system 101 will nowbe described with reference to the Figures. FIG. 1 schematicallyillustrates a block diagram of the apparatus 100 which focuses on thefunctional components necessary for describing the operation of theapparatus 100. Similar reference numerals are used in the Figures todesignate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are notnecessarily displayed in all figures.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus 100 for apilot ignition system 101. The apparatus 100 comprises a fluid poweredlinear actuator 102, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic linear actuator,for providing a linear stroke in a first direction (as shown by arrow107). A trigger member 103 is coupled to the linear actuator such thatthe linear actuator causes movement of the trigger member 103. Thetrigger member acts as a trigger/switch for a spark generating mechanism104 (shown in outline) to trigger the mechanism 104 to generate a spark105 (shown in outline) for igniting a pilot flame 106 (shown inoutline). The spark generating mechanism 104 may involve piezo ignitionas discussed in greater detail below.

The linear actuator may comprise a cylinder 108 which receives fluid 109under pressure, e.g. for a hydraulic cylinder: water, oil or some othersuitable hydraulic fluid or alternatively for a pneumatic cylindercompressed air or some other pressurized gas. In some examples asdiscussed in greater detail below, the pressurized gas could be the sameas the gas which fuels the pilot light, i.e. the source of thepressurized gas could be the same as the source of the combustiblemedium fuelling the pilot light.

The supplied pressurized fluid drives a liner stroke of a piston 110. Atrigger member 103 is provided at a distal end of a piston rod 111. Thetrigger member is configured such that, in use, when moved from aninitial unexpended starting position to a second extended position, itprovides a force on the spark generating mechanism 104triggering/activating the same to generate a spark.

The component blocks of FIG. 1 are functional and the functionsdescribed may or may not be performed by a single physical entity. Forexample, the spark generating mechanism 104 may comprise separate firingmechanism module 201 and spark generator module 203 as shown in FIG. 2and described with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The apparatus 100, including any tubing, ducting or hosing assembliesfor providing the pressurised fluid 109 to the apparatus as well as thepilot ignition system 101 itself (and any tubing, ducting or hosing toprovide the combustible medium to the ignition zone 105 pilot light 106are configured to withstand temperatures ranging from −40° C. up to 300°C. In some embodiments, the apparatus and various other components ofthe pilot ignition system are made from non-corrosive and heat resistantmaterials having a melting point greater than of at least one of: −40°C., 200° C. and 300° C. For example materials such as Stainless Steels,Aluminium Bronzes and G30 Peak could be used.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus 200 for apilot ignition system 101. The apparatus 200 is similar to thatdescribed above with reference to apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. However theapparatus 200 further comprises a biasing means 202, such as a returnspring, and an aperture that is open to the atmosphere 203, e.g. a bleedor venting hole.

The biasing means 202 is configured to bias the piston 110 in a seconddirection (shown by arrow 204) opposite to the first direction 107 inwhich the fluid 109 forces the piston. The biasing means is configuredsuch that, in use, the supply of pressurized fluid above a thresholdpressure level creates a force on the piston in the first direction 107which is greater that the force from the biasing means 202 in theopposing second direction 204. However, once the pressure drops belowthe threshold pressure level the biasing means forces the piston in thesecond direction. In this manner the biasing means acts as a returnspring enabling reciprocal motion of the piston and trigger member basedon turning on and off the supply of the pressurised fluid, therebyenabling a re-setting of the apparatus to re-trigger the sparkgenerating mechanism.

To facilitate the biasing means being able to force the piston in thesecond direction when pressurised fluid is not actively being applied, ableed hole 203 may be provided, which allows the fluid within thecylinder 108 to vent/escape to the atmosphere thereby reducing thepressure of fluid within the cylinder. The provision of such a ventingor bleed hole 203 provides an open hydraulic/pneumatic circuit in whichthe hydraulic/pneumatic fluid can escape. However, in alternativeembodiments, there are no venting or bleed holes 203 and a closedhydraulic/pneumatic circuit is provided.

The apparatus 200 is configured for use in a pilot ignition system 201which comprises the apparatus 200 itself and a spark generatingmechanism 104. The apparatus 200 can be considered as one of severalmodules of the pilot ignition system 201. The apparatus acts as atriggering module for the spark generating mechanism 104. The sparkgenerating mechanism 104 itself may comprise a firing mechanism module205 and a spark generator module 206.

The firing mechanism 205 is triggered by movement of the trigger member103 which causes a striking member 207 to be fired at/impacted upon thespark generator 206. The spark generator may involve piezo ignition andcomprise a piezo-electric material, such as a quartz crystal, which,when deformed by being struck by the striking member, generates a highvoltage electrical discharge/spark 105 that is used to ignite a pilotlight 106 which is supplied with combustible medium 208 that fuels thepilot light 106 thereby proving a constant pilot light/flame.

In the example of FIG. 2, the gas 109 which is used as the pneumatic gasfor driving the linear actuator is the same as the gas 208 used to fuelthe pilot light. A regulator 209 regulates the gas supplied to theignition zone 105/pilot light 106. A further regulator could be providedin the tubing assembly which provides the supply of gas 109 to drive thelinear actuator. The one or more regulators can be factory set andtamper proof to optimally set the required gas pressure levels.

The dual use of a supply of combustible medium (e.g. a tank of propanegas) both as the driving fluid for the linear actuator as well as thefuel for the pilot light advantageously reduces the amount of equipmentrequired. For example an air compressor, a power supply for the aircompressor as well as hoses and tubing assemblies for delivering thecompressed air from the compressor to the linear actuator would not berequired. Instead the apparatus could be powered and operated just usinga tank of propane gas. This enables the apparatus, as well as pilotignition systems and burner including the same, to be more robust andsimpler to use as well as better able to be ‘stand-alone’devices/systems requiring less ancillary equipment and power supplies tooperate. This is particularly advantageous when the apparatus is used inremote locations, such as the desert or offshore.

The apparatus 200, in use in the pilot ignition system 201, ignites thefirst pilot light 106 fuelled by a first source of combustible medium208. This pilot light 106 may itself be used to ignite at least a secondpilot light 210 fuelled by a further supply of combustible medium 211.The supply of a second combustible medium 211 may be at a greaterpressure and rate that the supply of the first combustible medium suchthat the rate of consumption of the second combustible medium 211 islarger and the second pilot light 210 is larger/has a larger flame thatthe first pilot light. The supply of the second combustible medium 211can be selectively switched on or off to selectively switch on or offthe second pilot light 210.

Advantageously, this facilitates the first pilot light, having arelatively low rate of fuel consumption, being continually alight forextended periods of time, whereas the second pilot light could byignited and kept alight only when required. Alternatively, the source ofthe second combustible medium 209 could be swapped during use, e.g. gascylinders to naturally produced gas. For example, in one exemplary case,the first pilot light 106 could be fuelled by one or more cylinders ofpropane providing 0.8 Bar of pressure wherein the gas is consumed at arate of 0.75 kg of propane per hour by the first pilot light. Whereasthe second pilot light 208 might be fuelled by a bank of cylinders ofpropane providing 3-4 Bar of pressure wherein the gas is consumed atrate of 50 kg of propane per hour by the second pilot light.

The pilot ignition system 201, when used with a burner providing asource of a yet further combustible medium 212, e.g. crude oil ofnaturally produced gas, may use the second pilot light 210 to ignite a‘main burn’ 213 fuelled by the combustible medium 212.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a flow chart 300 of amethod of using the apparatus 100 or 200 described above with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 2.

In block 301, pressurised fluid is received by the linear actuator 102.

Responsive to which, in block 302, the trigger member 103 moves. Inblock 303, movement of the trigger member triggers the spark generatingmechanism 104. In block 304 the spark generating mechanism 104, havingbeen triggered/set off by the trigger member, generates a spark 105 thatignites the first pilot light 106 which is fuelled by a supply of firstcombustible medium 207.

In block 305 (shown in outline) the pilot light 106 is used to ignite atleast a further combustible medium, e.g. the combustible medium 211 toproduce a second pilot and/or the combustible medium 212 to provide themain burn 213.

In block 306 (shown in outline), once the first pilot light has beenignited, the application of pressurised fluid to the linear actuatorcould be ceased. Moreover, block 306 could also be effected in the eventthat there were some issue with the ignition of the pilot light (e.g. nospark was generated, the first combustible medium was not adequatelyignited or there was an inadequate supply of combustible medium and/orair to establish a constant first pilot light). Following which blocks301 to 304 could be repeated. Requiring the intervening step of ceasingthe application of the pressurised fluid to re-set the apparatus andre-perform method blocks 301 to 304, in effect enforces a delay in thegeneration of sparks, limiting the rate at which sparks can begenerated. As will be discussed below with respect to certain examples,where the first spark fails to ignite and lead to a stable pilot lightsuch that a further ignition spark is required, advantageously theenforced delay provides time for the re-supply of combustible medium tothe ignition zone around the spark discharge area, e.g. enables the fuelgas to (re-)fill the ignition zone so that by the time the subsequentspark is generated in the ignition zone, there is a sufficient quantityof fuel gas to be ignited. Due to the enforced delay/minimal rate ofspark production, advantageously a user is not able to create sparks attoo high a rate, i.e. produce subsequent sparks prior to the adequatere-supplying/re-filling of the ignition zone with combustible medium.

The flowchart 300 represents one possible scenario among others. Theorder of the blocks shown is not absolutely required, so in principle,the various blocks can be performed out of order. Not all the blocks areessential. Examples disclosed herein provide both a method andcorresponding apparatus consisting of various modules or means thatprovide the functionality described and for performing the steps of themethod. The blocks support: combinations of means for performing thespecified functions; combinations of steps for performing the specifiedfunctions.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a pilot ignition system 401 including:an apparatus 400 (similar to the apparatuses 100 and 200 described abovewith reference to FIGS. 1 and 2) and spark generating mechanism 104. Thespark generating mechanism 104 comprises a firing mechanism 204 and aspark generator 206. In this example the spark generator 206 is anignition cartridge.

Application of pressurised/compressed gas 109 forces the piston to movewhich itself moves the trigger member 103 which triggers/activates/firesthe firing mechanism 204 forcing a striking member to impact upon theignition cartridge. This impact causes a deformation of a piezo crystalin the ignition cartridge which generates a high voltage that is guidedalong an electrode 402 to cause an electrical discharge generating aspark at an ignition zone 403. A first combustible medium is supplied tothe ignition zone such that it is able to be ignited by the spark andproduce a pilot light.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the firing mechanism 204 of FIG.4. The firing mechanism is configured, when triggered to fire by theapparatus 400, to force a striking member/hammer 205 to strike/impactupon an ignition cartridge 205 to cause the generation of a spark viapiezo ignition. The firing mechanism is configured so as to bere-settable following a firing and able to retract the spring loadedstriking member ready for re-firing, e.g. involving a push buttonmechanism (actuatible by the triggering member) or a cam-followermechanism. The firing mechanism 204 comprises: a release cage 501, aspring 502, a J housing 503, a cross pin 504, a striking member/hammer205, a cover 505.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the spark generator/ignitioncartridge 206, as well as the ignition cartridge in an assembled form.The ignition cartridge 206 is configured such that, when struck/impactedupon by the striking member 205 of the firing mechanism 204, a piezoelectric material 604 is deformed thereby generating a voltage. Thisvoltage is directed via one or more electrodes 606 to an ignition zone403 to generate a spark discharge 105 to ignite the first combustiblemedium, which is supplied to the ignition zone. The ignition cartridge206 comprises: an end cap 601, a hammer plate 602, a wave washer 603, apiezo crystal 604, a crystal insulator 605, an electrode 606, anelectrode insulator 607 and a housing 608.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a pilot ignition system 700 including afront end assembly 701. The front end assembly is attached (directly orindirectly) to the apparatus 400, firing mechanism 204 and ignitioncartridge 206. The front end assembly provides a propagation tube 702that surrounds the electrode 606. The propagation tube itself issurrounded by a housing 703. Fuel gas 207 is provided to the space 704between the propagation tube 702 and the housing 703. Moreover, thepropagation tube is provided with one or more apertures 705 within itswalls at an end proximal to the ignition cartridge 206. This enablesfuel gas to enter/percolate into the propagation tube and surround theignition cartridge's electrode within the propagation tube.

The pilot ignition system is ‘air actuated’ in that compressed air 109is supplied to the apparatus 100, to drive the pneumatic linear actuatorof the apparatus 400 to trigger the firing mechanism 204 to causes theignition cartridge 206 to generate an electrical discharge at the end ofits electrode thereby igniting the fuel gas within the propagation tubein the vicinity of the electrode 706. This generates a flame whichpropagates/travels along the propagation tube, combusting the fueltherein, away from the ignition cartridge towards the propagation tube'sdistal end which is open to the atmosphere (this is known as ‘flame toatmosphere’). Here the flame then meets the fuel gas that is suppliedbetween the propagation tube and the housing, this supply of fuel gas isignited to provide a first pilot light 106. The pilot light canoptionally be provided with a weather shield for protection against windand rain.

An additional combustible medium 209 could be supplied, as and whenrequired, to the pilot light 106, via gas jet orifices located proximalto the pilot light 106, to provide a secondary burn to produce a second(larger) pilot light/flame (not shown). A yet further additionalcombustible medium (not shown), e.g. crude oil or natural gas, could besupplied via jets/nozzles of a burner (not shown) proximal to the firstand/or second pilot light to provide a main burn (not shown).

Advantageously, the apparatus provides a single, albeit it re-settable,linear stroke in a first direction which is controllable by theapplication of hydraulic/pneumatic fluid. The linear stroke of theapparatus moves the trigger member so as to trigger the firing mechanism(which is self re-settable for re-firing upon subsequent triggering) tocause the generation of a spark. Accordingly, the control of theapplication of hydraulic/pneumatic fluid provides control over the sparkdischarge release timing. Where the generation of a spark, for somereason, does not lead to the successful establishment of a stable pilotlight, such that a further pilot ignition needs to occur, the apparatusenables a user to control when a further spark discharge occurs. Theprocess of ceasing the supply of hydraulic/pneumatic fluid and allowingtime for the fluid to be removed from the cylinder/bleed out to re-setthe apparatus and, then re-supplying the fluid to the apparatus to drivethe trigger member leads to a minimum re-setting/re-sparking cycle time.This minimum time between sparks advantageously provides time for thepropagation tube to re-fill with fuel. If subsequent sparks were tooccur at too high a rate, e.g. more than 1 per second, there would beinsufficient time for the propagation tube to re-fill with fuel suchthat subsequent sparks would have no fuel (or and insufficient amount offuel) in the propagation tube to enable flame to atmosphere to establishthe pilot light 106. In effect, one might consider that the apparatus,by causing a single spark per re-settable operation, enforces a delay inthe ability to generate subsequent sparks which provides time for thepropagation tube to sufficiently re-fill with fuel.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further example of a pilot ignition system 800including a front end assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 7, exceptthat instead of being ‘air actuated’ the pneumatic linear actuator ofthe apparatus 400 is driven by combustible fuel gas, i.e. driven by gasfrom the same gas supply which supplies the gas for fuelling the firstpilot light. By configuring the apparatus such that it can be driven bythe same source of combustible gas which fuels the pilot light,advantageously this enables a simplified user operation of the apparatusand pilot ignition system, since operation merely involves turning on oroff a supply of pressurized gas to the apparatus. One or more regulators209 could be provided, and factory set, to ensure that appropriate gaspressures and flow rates of gas are supplied to the pneumatic actuatorand provided to the front end assembly.

The pilot ignition systems including the front end assembly of FIGS. 7and 8 could be provided within or proximal to a burner, e.g. a crude oilburner or gas flare, such that that the first and/or second pilot flamesignite a supply of a further combustible medium, e.g. crude oil ornatural gas, which sprays out of nozzles/jets of the burner in thevicinity of the pilot light(s) of the pilot ignition system.

Features described in the preceding description may be used incombinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certainfeatures, those functions may be performable by other features whetherdescribed or not. Although features have been described with referenceto certain examples, those features may also be present in otherexamples whether described or not. Although various examples have beendescribed in the preceding paragraphs, those skilled in the art willappreciate that modifications to the examples given can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure as claimed.

In this brief description, reference has been made to various examples.The description of features or functions in relation to an exampleindicates that those features or functions are present in that example.The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘may’ in the textdenotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features orfunctions are present in at least the described example, whetherdescribed as an example or not, and that they can be, but are notnecessarily, present in some of or all other examples.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention tothose features of the disclosure believed to be of particular importanceit should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respectof any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbeforereferred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particularemphasis has been placed thereon.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus configured for use in a pilot light ignitionsystem comprising: a fluid powered linear actuator; and a triggermember; wherein the linear actuator is configured to move the triggermember and wherein movement of the trigger member is suitable fortriggering a spark generating mechanism for igniting a pilot light. 2.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is ahydraulic linear actuator or a pneumatic linear actuator.
 3. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is made from heatresistant material or materials having a melting point greater than ofat least one of: 200° C. and 300° C.
 4. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein the apparatus is configured to receive a combustible fluidfor powering the linear actuator.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the trigger member is configured to be moved by the linearactuator in a first direction, and wherein the apparatus furthercomprises a mechanism configured to move the trigger member in a seconddirection opposite to the first direction.
 6. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the linear actuator comprises a cylinder configured toreceive the fluid for powering the linear actuator, and wherein thecylinder comprises at least one aperture open to the atmosphere.
 7. Aburner, a crude oil burner or a gas flare comprising the apparatusaccording to claim
 1. 8. A pilot light ignition system comprising: afluid powered linear actuator; a trigger member, wherein the linearactuator is configured to move the trigger member and wherein movementof the trigger member is suitable for triggering a spark generatingmechanism for igniting a pilot light; and a spark generating mechanismfor igniting a pilot light.
 9. The pilot light ignition system of claim8, wherein the spark generating mechanism comprises: a firing mechanismcomprising a striking member; and a spark generator; and wherein thefiring mechanism and the spark generator are configured such thatmovement of the trigger member triggers the firing of the firingmechanism to force the striking member to strike the spark generatorthereby causing generation of a spark for igniting a pilot light. 10.The pilot light ignition system of claim 9, wherein the spark generatorcomprises a piezoelectric material.
 11. The pilot light ignition systemof claim 9, wherein the pilot light ignition system is configured sothat the pilot light is fuelled by a first combustible medium andwherein the pilot light ignition system is further configured to igniteat least a second combustible medium with the pilot light.
 12. The pilotlight ignition system of claim 11, wherein the pilot light ignitionsystem is configured so that the ignition of the at least a secondcombustible medium forms a second pilot light.
 13. A method for use in apilot light ignition system comprising causing, at least in part,actions that result in: receiving a fluid to drive a fluid poweredlinear actuator; moving a trigger member with the fluid powered linearactuator wherein movement of the trigger member is suitable fortriggering a spark generating mechanism for igniting a pilot light. 14.The method according to claim 13, further comprising: triggering a sparkgenerating mechanism; and generating a spark for igniting a pilot light.15. The method according to claim 14, wherein triggering the sparkgenerating mechanism comprises triggering a firing of a firing mechanismto force a striking member to strike the spark generator thereby causingthe generation of the spark.
 16. The method according to claim 13,wherein the pilot light is fuelled by a first combustible medium, themethod further comprising using the pilot light to ignite at least asecond combustible medium.
 17. The method according to claim 13, whereinreceiving the fluid to drive the fluid powered linear actuator comprisesreceiving a combustible medium to drive the fluid powered linearactuator.
 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein moving thetrigger member comprises moving the trigger member from a first positionto a second position, the method further comprising moving the triggermember from the second position to the first position.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 13, the method further comprising venting the fluidto the atmosphere.
 20. An apparatus comprising means configured to causethe apparatus at least to perform the method as claimed in claim 13.